OCTOBER 2014 ISSUE 22 THE EMA INSIDER

special edition

What’s Inside

Thinking for the future;Educating the present

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EMA declares October as Sea Turtle Awareness Month

A History of Sea Turtle Conservation in

Trinidad and Tobago

Know your ESS turtles!

EMA partners with Turtle Village Trust, Atlantic and Green Fund to host 2nd

National Sea Turtle Symposium

Sea Turtle Conservation in Trinidad & Tobago

emaInsider

The foundation for sea turtle conservation efforts in Trinidad and Tobago stems from the pioneering work of Mr. Ian Lambie, the Late Professor Peter Bacon, and the Late Mr Luis Guy, who initiated local efforts to study and save sea turtles from extinction. Thanks to their tireless research and lobbying efforts, significant changes were made to the then “Protection of Turtle and Turtle Eggs Regulations of 1952”, which later evolved into the “Turtle and Turtle Eggs (Amendment) Regulations 2011 of Act No. 23 of 1975, prohibiting the hunting and killing of all species of sea turtles for the first time in this country.

For several years environmental community groups competed with each other for scarce conservation resources. These groups were challenged to find a mechanism to work together. In 2005, Turtle Village Trust was formed as a partnership of 26 community groups, BHP Billiton, the University of the West Indies and the Ministry of Tourism. The Trust sought to build on the synergies of turtle communities in order to address the challenges of sea turtle protection, as well as explore the opportunities for sustainable tourism.

The interest in turtles has grown tremendously over the last five years, resulting in the north-eastern district of Trinidad attracting a large number of visitors both local and foreign annually to witness the nesting spectacle. This interest has translated into increased socio-economic development for the region and a strong lobby for the species.

This growing interest generated a need for scientific study to guide efficient and effective policy and management strategies. In 2007 The Sea Turtle Monitoring Programme, funded by Atlantic, was developed in consultation with all stakeholders such as the Environmental Management Authority, Forestry Division, Fisheries Division, DNRE of the Tobago House of Assembly, Institute of Marine Affairs, and most importantly our community groups. Four Index beaches were the area of focus: Grande Riviere, Matura, Fishing Pond and Turtle Beach.

In 2010 the Programme expanded to monitoring 18 sites and engaged 23 community conservation groups. Further partnerships were fostered with the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, EMA and THA. In 2014, the EMA designated five sea turtles- the Green, Hawksbill, Leatherback, Loggerhead, and Olive Ridley as Environmentally Sensitive Species (ESS), thus reinforcing the legislative framework for sea turtle protection.

There are very few journeys as captivating as that of the sea turtle and we in Trinidad and Tobago are truly blessed to be a port of call in this fascinating global odyssey. Today thousands of new and returning ESS sea turtle species visit our nesting beaches every year, making us the largest accessible nesting colony in the world with a nesting population of around 10,000 annually. Grande Rivere alone accounts for five thousand and boasts the highest density nesting site in the world.

This implies that we have a significant role to play in the global turtle conservation effort, especially within the communities which host these magnificent creatures annually. We must always remember the importance of community development to this symbiotic relationship.

Trinidad and Tobago now joins a host of other countries worldwide that provide total protection to these ancient marine reptiles. We can safely boast of honouring a shared global responsibility for these migratory species, minimizing one of the threats they face in our part of the world.

Chairman’s MessageDr. Allan Bachan

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The National Sea Turtle Awareness Month was geared towards developing awareness of sea turtle conservation efforts in Trinidad and Tobago at various tiers ranging from policy makers, to non-governmental organizations, corporate partners, the academic fraternity and the general public. The educational tools such as the EMA’s Facebook competition, mall exhibitions and Sea Turtle Symposium were devised to stimulate a national dialogue on this topic, and overall our objective was achieved.

Many individuals who participated in our awareness activities found them extremely resourceful and congratulated the EMA and Turtle Village Trust on this initiative. Some individuals were not aware that there are five sea turtles designated as Environmentally Sensitive Species as some persons were only familiar with the Leatherback. Our social media competition posed questions on the ESS sea turtle legislation, and our online community gained greater insight into the characteristics of turtles, the threats to their survival, location of nesting grounds and prohibited activities under the legislation.

The 2nd National Sea Turtle Symposium, the single largest environmental stakeholder event of its kind in Trinidad and Tobago, provided a platform for community environmental groups to project their vision for sea turtle conservation. Their feedback, which included challenges to their successful operations, will be merged with the research presented by the academic fraternity to forge national action plans for sea turtle protection. Policies and legislation are after all driven by the tireless efforts of the non-governmental organizations and scholars who dedicate their careers to environmental sustainability.

In terms of economic development, sea turtle nesting in Trinidad and Tobago provides opportunities for sustainable livelihoods for local communities. The EMA has received reports of a remarkable 8,256 confirmed nestings by 5,140 turtles in 2013, and during the peak of the nesting season, approximately 500 Leatherbacks nested at Grand Riviere nightly. There is untapped economic potential in this sector, and we must capitalise on this benefit in a very cautious manner. We must not allow tourism to become more valuable than the turtles themselves.

The EMA looks forward to continued partnerships with all stakeholders across Trinidad and Tobago as we work towards conservation and increased awareness of these gentle species. Together we can formulate national management strategies to protect the future of sea turtle populations. I endorse the words of cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

Ms. Gayatri Badri MaharajManaging Director’s (A.g.) Message

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Winners of the Poster and Art Competition. From Left to Right: Mr. Michael Rooplal, Deputy Chairman of the EMA, Mr. Wulf Gerstenmaier (2nd place- Art Category), Ms. Joanne Husain (1st place- Art Category), Ms. Sara Ali (2nd place- ages 13-17 Poster Category), Managing Director (A.g) of the EMA Ms. Gayatri Badri Maharaj, Ms. Kayla Alexander (2nd place- ages 8-12 Poster Competition), Ms. Lynsey Philip (3rd place- ages 13-17 Poster Competition), Mr. Kareem John (1st place- ages 13-17 Poster Category), and Ms. Ashvin Ramkissoon ( 1st place- ages 8-12 Poster Category). Front: Mr. Emmanuel Lewis (3rd place- ages 8-12 Poster Category)

The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) declared the month of October, 2014 as “National Sea Turtle Awareness Month” at the Launch of the National Poster and Art Competition Exhibition and Prize-Giving Ceremony on October 1, 2014 at the Art Society of Trinidad and Tobago. This declaration was announced by the Honourable Ramona Ramdial, Minister of State in the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources during the feature address.

The objective of the Awareness Month was to generate increased cognizance of the five turtles designated as Environmentally Sensitive Species this year - the Green, Hawksbill, Leatherback, Loggerhead and Olive Ridley through various communication channels intended to reach the widest cross section of the public. This initiative was preceded by a series of consultations held with community groups earlier this year which focused on the local threats to sea turtles and improved fishing methods to reduce accidental by-catch.

In declaring her full support of the EMA’s Sea Turtle Month, Minister Ramdial noted “The year-long activities and achievements by the EMA through community consultations, public tours and other public awareness initiatives together with the National Sea Turtle Symposium which would be held on the 28th and 29th later this month, is indeed a historic step towards increasing awareness, respect and protection of our sea turtles.”

EMA declares October as Sea Turtle Awareness Month

The Honourable Ramona Ramdial, presents the 1st Place Prize in the Art Category to Joanne Husain, for the art piece titled - Portrait of an Ocelot

The Poster and Art Exhibition which ran from October 2nd to 5th at the Art Society initiated the awareness activities for October. Other activities included mall exhibitions, a Facebook Trivia Competition “Know your ESS Turtles”, weekly articles in the Sunday Guardian, advertisements, and the 2nd National Sea Turtle Symposium on October 28th and 29th.

At the Prize Giving Ceremony, Managing Director (A.g) of the EMA Ms. Gayatri Badri Maharaj lauded the efforts of all participants of the Competition and highlighted that a large portion of the population still remains unaware of the designated Environmentally Sensitive Species (ESS) and Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA). She endorsed the Poster and Art Competition as a vital educational tool for promoting awareness on these threatened habitats and species- “Competitions involving the environment have long been regarded as an effective means of sharing information with a wide range of people from different ages, backgrounds and cultures. The EMA will continue to focus on public education and awareness as one of our main drivers for stimulating behavioural change and generating a genuine appreciation for our unique environment of Trinidad and Tobago.”

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A History of Sea Turtle Conservation in Trinidad and Tobago

Information on the turtles encountered was recorded on a data sheet designed by Bacon. This data included the length and width of the turtle carapace or shell, the time spent in digging the nest chamber, number of eggs deposited, the time spent by the turtle on the beach, the moon phase, and the state of the tide. The Club contacted Dr. John Hendrickson, Professor of Zoology at the University of Malaya, who had been conducting research on the nesting behaviour of Leatherback and other turtle species on Trengganu and on other beaches in Malaya (later Malaysia). Dr. Hendrickson sent the Club brochures and literature containing information on sea turtle conservation methods in Malaysia.

In 1970, the Club began a Turtle Tagging Project using equipment supplied by the University of Florida at Gainsville. During the next 11 nesting seasons, 333 Leatherbacks were tagged including one Olive Ridley, Loggerhead, and Hawksbill turtle. A Leatherback turtle was also tagged on Grafton Beach in Tobago. In 1981, after 18 years of beach patrols, compiling information and turtle tagging, the Club’s Turtle Project was terminated.

In May 1973, based on its many years of observation and information gathering, the Club submitted a report prepared by Dr. Bacon to the then Minister of Agriculture, Lands and Fisheries entitled “The status of sea turtles in Trinidad and Tobago”. In subsequent meetings with the Club’s representatives, the Minister at the time agreed to propose an amendment to the existing “Protection of Turtle and Turtle Eggs Regulations of 1952”, which was replaced by Act No. 23 of 1975, “The Turtle and Turtle Eggs Regulations”.

In October 2011, the Turtle and Turtle Eggs (Amendment) Regulations 2011 of Act No. 23 of 1975, which prohibited the hunting and killing of all species of sea turtles, was approved by the Parliament. Today, five sea turtles have been declared as Environmentally Sensitive Species by the EMA. Beginning in 1975, the late David Rooks spent many weekends during the turtle nesting season with volunteers on the Grand Tacarib beach tagging turtles. On one occasion, 18 nesting Leatherback turtles were tagged during one night; a Club record. The Club was also engaged in an Education Lecture Programme whereby members visited Secondary Schools to stimulate an interest among teachers and students on the need to protect and conserve our nesting Leatherback Turtles. Reports of the Club’s turtle conservation activities were published in International Magazines including the Marine Turtle Newsletter.

Professor Peter Bacon

Sea turtle conservation has indeed come a long way since 1963 when the Trinidad and Tobago Field Naturalists’ Club first investigated and confirmed reports of Leatherback turtles being killed on the Matura Beach. Beach patrols continued at Matura during 1964, and in 1965 Peter Bacon, then Vice President of the Club, was appointed co-ordinator of the Club’s Turtle Project. The Club commenced a programme of regular patrols on the beaches at Matura, Fishing Pond, Big Bay, Toco, Grand Riviere, Maracas and Las Cuevas. It was soon determined that the peak of the annual turtle nesting season was during the months of May and June.

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Among the junior members of the Club was Dr. Carol James, who later became the Head of the Wildlife Section of the Forestry Division. In 1990 Dr James was the catalyst in the formation of the community group “Nature Seekers” at Matura, which was established to protect the nesting turtles from poachers and now receives international recognition for its work in turtle conservation.

Sea turtle groups competed for scarce sources to foster turtle conservation and often duplicated each other’s work. In 2005, groups approached the private sector for funding and support and were challenged to find a way to work together. In 2006, community groups came together under the banner of Turtle Village Trust (TVT). Turtle conservation groups came together with private sector entities such as BHP Billiton and Atlantic LNG as well as Government entities such as the Ministry of Tourism, thus giving birth to Turtle Village Trust. This participatory and collaborative approach to turtle conservation is now fostered in the pursuit of sustainable environmental management as TVT has 26 organizations under its mandate: the Grande Riviere Nature Tour Guide Association, Nature Seekers, Fishing Pond Turtle Conservation Group, Sans Souci Wildlife and Tourism Development Organisation, Pawi Sports Culture and Eco Club, Nariva Environment Trust, St. David Empowerment and Developmental Organisation, SAD for Toco, Blanchisseuse Environment Community Organisation, Las Cuevas Eco-Friendly Association, Wildlife Watch and Environmental Group, Toco Foundation, North Manzanilla Verdant Conservation Group, Manatee Conservation Trust, and in Tobago: Save Our Sea Turtles, Roxborough Police Youth Club, East Sea Turtles, Speyside Eco-Marine Park Rangers, Fromager Ecological and Environmental Protection Organisation, Bethel Police Youth Club, and the Tobago Wildlife and Environment Protection Group.

Five years ago turtles and their plight were not understood by the majority of Trinidad and Tobago but through strong awareness programmes by entities such as the EMA and Turtle Village Trust, awareness and understanding of turtles is now a household agenda. Thousands of locals and foreigners flock to the coasts during the nesting season and become educated by well-trained tour guides within the communities. This has led to the development of turtle tourism and livelihood opportunities for these villages. The EMA has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Turtle Village Trust, allowing for dialogue and partnership in identifying management plans for these species. In 2014, a National Sea Turtle Task Force was established to guide policy-making recommendations relative to sea turtles and their nesting areas.

Sea turtle conservation is thriving in Trinidad and Tobago and citizens are becoming more alert to the many dangers encountered by sea turtles thanks to the efforts of the conservation groups. With the advent of social media, sea turtle protection is becoming a prevalent topic in environmental management and will continue to gain momentum in the years to come.

With contributions from Ian LambieHonorary Secretary Trinidad and Tobago Field Naturalists Club: 1961 to 1980

A History of Sea Turtle Conservation in Trinidad and Tobago (continued...)

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As part of the EMA’s ongoing efforts to protect turtles through legislative, enforcement and educational measures, five sea turtles were designated as Environmentally Sensitive Species (ESS) this year - the Green, Hawksbill, Leatherback, Loggerhead, and Olive Ridley owing to their dwindling numbers and threatened habitats. Most citizens may not be familiar with these ESS turtles and their characteristics. To help you identify each turtle, here’s a brief synopsis of their unique features and nesting grounds. This article features the Green and Hawksbill turtles.

Green turtles occasionally nest on the shores of Trinidad, mainly on the north and east coasts, and in Tobago. Their nesting period is believed to be between February and August each year, and continues into September and October at Matura. This species is named for the greenish colour of its body fat. The colour of their outer shell varies from light brown to dark brown, sometimes with a hint of olive. Additionally, the shell has wavy dark marks with blotches of dark brown. Their plastron or shell on the underside is yellowish in colour.

The adult green turtle weighs around 500 pounds and has a length of 80 cm to 150cm. They are generally found on broad expanses of shallow sandy flats covered with sea grass or seaweed, and within coral reefs. Throughout the year they can be found in thesenear shore habitats around Trinidad and Tobago.

Current estimates suggest the age of sexual maturity for the green turtle is 45 to 50 years. Females migrate huge distances between feeding grounds and nesting areas, but tend to follow coastlines rather than to cross open waters. An individual female nests approximately every 3 years, and lays 1-6 clutches of between 70 and 110 eggs. The incubation period lasts 50 to 70 days.

Adult green turtles are the only truly herbivorous marine turtles. They feed mainly on seagrasses or algae, mostly in the tropics and subtropics.

A current estimate of worldwide numbers of breeding female green turtles is 203,000. 1989 data suggest the main nesting beaches were in Queensland, Australia and in Indonesia.

Know your ESS turtles!

Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas)

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The Hawksbill sea turtle is a small to medium-sized sea turtle and this species is characterised by rough, serrated edges of the shell and a distinct beak-like mouth. The hawksbill shell is less than three feet in length and is usually amber and reddish/ blackish-brown, with yellow streaks or markings. Immaturehawksbill turtles are usually black or brownish-blackin colour. The adult turtle can weigh up to 200 pounds.

The hawksbill appears to nest every 2 to 3 years and lays 60 to 200 eggs at a time. The hawksbill often nests close to coral reefs, and can be encountered by snorkelers and scuba-divers at localities where the turtle habitat is in a good condition. The nesting period for the Hawksbill is July to November in Trinidad, and April to November in Tobago each year. The Hawksbill turtle can be found in estuaries, bays, coral reefs and lagoons.

Hawksbill turtles are mainly carnivorous and use their narrow beaks to extract invertebrate prey from crevices on the reef. Both sessile and mobile animals are eaten and hawksbills appear to be opportunistic predators, although sponges normally constitute a major proportion of their diet. Despite their protection under CITES, as well as under many national laws, there is still a large amount of trade in hawksbills products, and this probably constitutes the major threat to the species.

Hawksbills declined globally by over 80% during the last century. There are difficulties in accurately assessing population size, but a recent estimate of adult nesting females of 8,000+ has been made. There are only 5 populations worldwide with more than 1,000 females nesting annually.

This species is the rarest marine turtle found in Trinidad. A loggerhead nesting event was recorded in Tobago in the mid-1990s as such nesting activity has been a rarely recorded event. The head and upper shell range from a yellow-orange to a reddish-brown, while the underside is typically pale yellow. The turtle’s neck and sides are brown on the top and yellow on the sides and bottom, and has a distinct patchwork of hexagonal-rings on its back.

The adults generally exceed 400 pounds and average 250 pounds in weight. The age of sexual maturity has been estimated at between 10 and 30 years but studies in Australia indicate that it may be between 34 and 37 years.Females nest an average of 3 to 5 times per season, and between 40 and 190 eggs are laid per clutch. Data from studies in the USA suggests that nesting takes place about every 2 years. A recent estimate of the numbers of nesting female loggerheads is more than 60,000.

In terms of diet, Loggerheads are carnivorous eating bottom dwelling molluscs (conches, clams), crabs, urchins and sponges, as well as free swimming jellyfish and seemingly impenetrable prey such as the queen conch.

Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricate)

Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta)

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This is the most commonly known species of turtle in Trinidad and Tobago. The Leatherback is quite different in shape and physiology to other marine turtles. This species has a soft, leathery shell with seven longitudinal ridges or keels. The shell of the adult Leatherback turtles is black in colour with white spots and interrupted white lines on the keels. The head is black with large white markings and a pink spot on the top of the head.

Leatherbacks are the largest turtles on earth and the weight of adults generally exceed 1100 pounds. Their nesting period is February to August each year and can be found in beaches such as Matura, Grand Riviere and Manzanilla, in Trinidad, and Black Rock, Turtle Beach and Englishman’s Bay in Tobago.

Female leatherbacks may lay 4 to 5 times per season, each time depositing 60 to 120 eggs. Leatherbacks appear to nest once every two or three years with an incubation period of approximately 60 days.

The large size of leatherbacks is all the more remarkable given their low energy, low protein diet of soft-bodied creatures such as jellyfish, squid and tunicates (“jelly fish-like” marine invertebrates).

The Olive Ridley species is one of the smallest sea turtles in the world, and is named for the colour of its shell. This species has an olive or greenish-white, round shell and a yellowish-white plastron. Their beaks are usually horny and serrated.

The Olive Ridley generally weighs about 100 pounds and has an average length of 70 cm. Their nesting period is unknown in Trinidad and Tobago but the species is known to exist in our waters. Most individuals of this species nest at river mouths, estuaries and prefer low saline conditions.

After reaching sexual maturity when they are about 12 years old, thousands of females emerge from the sea and nest simultaneously over a period of 2 to 3 days. The olive ridley often chooses small, narrow beaches and their nests may be so closely packed that subsequent waves of females often dig up other nests in efforts to lay their own eggs.

The Olive Ridley feeds essentially on crabs and shrimps, but also jellyfish, small invertebrates, tunicates, small invertebrates and fish eggs. Individuals have been captured in prawn trawls at depths of 80 to 110m, and are therefore considered capable of foraging at these depths.

The Olive Ridley is a threatened species in Central America as the illegal harvest of its eggs continues. There is also high mortality of adults due to coastal fisheries that do not yet use Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in their nets.

Each of the above ESS is protected by law and illegal activities such the taking, removing, harming, injuring, hunting, selling or killing of the turtles and possession of or trade in any specimen of the living animal and its parts, eggs and products are strictly prohibited!

Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)

Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea)

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Throughout the month of October, the EMA held a Facebook Competition featuring daily trivia on the ESS Legislation for the five designated sea turtle species- the Green, Hawksbill, Leatherback, Loggerhead, and Olive Ridley. The objective of this competition was to increase awareness of the ESS Legislation by repackaging the legal information into a fun and interactive learning tool.

The competition’s questions focused on the characteristics of each ESS turtle, identifying their nesting sites across Trinidad and Tobago and the threats associated with each species. Our 4,000+ Facebook fans became more informed about the protection of these species and many perused the ESS legislation to provide correct answers to the questions. Not to mention the handy prizes offered including $100 Digicel and BMobile top ups and Turtle Watching Tours for the 2015 Turtle Watching Season from Nature Seekers!

Each week correct entries were entered into a random draw and several participants won prizes each week for their continued participation.

Congratulations to all of our winners!

B Mobile $100 Top Up

Nicholas George Kevin Kowlessar Ando De ProDonna Lochansingh Nazeema MohammedDonna Lochansingh Zianool Khan Hemant Sookhan Sunardaye Mohammed Tyrell Robinson

Digicel $100 Top Up

Ando de ProDenise GayahGumatee JagnananMarie Marie Shemeza MohammedLeona Prince Ando De Pro Shazara Khan Jessie Sookhan Anirud Daya

Turtle Watching Tours from Nature Seekers

Reshma Nowbut AnmolsinghRajwati Ali Karen CheeGabrielle John A & A Painting Services Nigel Birbal Leona Prince Dewarkha Partap Nisha TissooGumatee Jagnanan

Donna Lochansingh“I'm so happy to be a top up winner!”

Feedback on Social Media Competition Karen Chee“Thank you EMA !!!!!........ Yayyy........I won a Turtle Watching Tour in 2015 at Matura with Nature Seekers.”

Marie Marie“Allow me say that you all are doing an amazing job in educating and sensitizing the public!”

EMA’s Facebook Competition-“Know your ESS Sea Turtles Trivia”

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The Late Professor Peter Robin Bacon“A key architect of the Sea Turtle Conservation Laws in Trinidad and Tobago”

He was elected to the post of Honorary Assistant Secretary of the Field Naturalist Club in 1965, and served as Vice-President from 1966 to 1968 and was elected President of the Club in 1969, a position which he held for three consecutive years. From 1972 to 1980 he was a member of the Club’s Editorial Committee and continued to serve the Club until his departure for the University of Calabar in Nigeria.

From 1963, Professor Bacon accompanied members of the Club to beach patrols along Matura Beach where reports of both turtle carcasses and nesting sites surfaced. In 1965 the Club commenced patrolling Matura beach with Peter Bacon as the co-ordinator. During the next five years, records on “turtle catch” were obtained from the Fisheries Division for turtles landed at Toco, Mayaro and Port-of-Spain, which were at the time offered for sale at various market places. By 1969, a reasonably accurate nesting pattern was also discerned from the information collected during the five years of beach patrols.

During the turtle nesting season of 1970, the Club began a turtle tagging project using numbered stainless steel tags and applicators, supplied by the University of Florida in Gainsville and by 1980, three hundred and thirty leatherback turtles had been tagged. The information on each turtle encountered was recorded on data sheets designed by Professor Bacon. The beaches patrolled had increased to include Fishing Pond, Big Bay at Toco, Grand Riviere, Tacarib, Paria, and Las Cuevas. A few visits were paid to Grafton, Turtle Beach, and Bloody Bay in Tobago. Turtle carcases were often seen on these beaches in Tobago and on one occasion a leatherback was tagged at Grafton.

In 1973 information gathered by the Club formed the basis of recommendations made in the document “The status of sea turtles in Trinidad and Tobago” which was prepared by Professor Bacon and submitted to the then Ministry responsible for sea turtles, for its consideration.

The Late Professor Peter Robin Bacon played a prominent role in forging Sea Turtle Conservation Laws in Trinidad and Tobago. Dr. Bacon, originally from the UK, migrated to Trinidad in August 1963 and joined the Trinidad Field Naturalists’ Club the following year. Having graduated from the University of London with a BSc in Entomology and a Post Graduate Diploma in Education, Professor Bacon began teaching at the Secondary Level whilst pursuing his PhD in Zoology and the University of the West Indies in St. Augustine, becoming the first graduate of this programme.

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Meetings were held by the Club’s representatives, Mr G.E.L. Laforest, the President, Mr. Ian Lambie ,the Honorary Secretary and Professor Bacon, the coordinator of the Club’s Turtle Project ,with the Honourable Lionel Robinson, Minister of the then Ministry responsible for sea turtles, who promised to give favourable consideration to our recommendations for amendment to the “Turtle and Turtle Eggs Regulations of 1952”. In 1975 Act No.23 of 1975 “The Turtle and Turtle Eggs Regulations of 1975”, containing all of the Club’s recommendations, became law. One significant amendment was that the period of the Closed Season which had been from June to September annually was increase to the period from March to September annually.

Apart from his ventures with the Club, Professor Bacon lectured in Zoology at UWI, Mona and St. Augustine. He served as Professor and Head of the Department of Life Sciences and was one of the creators of the first Master of Science programme in Environmental Sciences at the Faculty of Natural Sciences, UWI, St. Augustine.

Professor Bacon also collaborated with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, the Wildlife Conservation Committee and the Wetland Research Bureau. He was also a member of a United Nations team that researched the effects of climate change on mangroves. In 1994 Professor Bacon started the Wetland Research Group which conducts research on the ecology and management issues of wetlands in Trinidad and Tobago. He also served as a member of the Board of Management of the Asa Wright Nature Centre from 1971 to 1973.

Sadly, Trinidad and Tobago lost its most prominent sea turtle and wetlands expert on February 24th, 2003. Professor Bacon has made a significant contribution not only to academia but also to Environmental and Wildlife Conservation in Trinidad and Tobago, for which we are all very grateful.

With contributions from Ian LambieHonorary Secretary Trinidad and Tobago Field Naturalists Club: 1961 to 1980

The Late Professor Peter Robin Bacon (continued...)

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During the Sea Turtle Awareness Month the EMA’s Public Education Unit partnered with Turtle Village Trust to conduct mall exhibitions at Trincity Mall on October 10th and Gulf City on October 25th. These exhibitions were geared towards promoting sea turtle conservation efforts to a wider audience and were well received by the public! A total of approximately 250 persons visited the booths at both locations.

Visitors were provided with more information on the National Sea Turtle Awareness Month, and many were surprised to learn that there were actually five species that feed in waters around our islands and/or return to nest, as they were mostly familiar with the Leatherback turtle.

Publications on the Environmentally Sensitive Areas and Species (ESAs and ESS) were featured, which many visitors found to be useful resource materials. Visitors also had an opportunity to seek clarification or further information on the EMA’s role in addressing other environmental issues. At the end of both exhibitions visitors were more knowledgeable about sea turtles and threats to the survival, and were appreciative of the EMA and Turtle Village Trust for this very informative and interactive experience!

Mall Exhibitions

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In keeping with its mandate to collaborate with various entities to manage Environmentally Sensitive Species, the EMA proposed this multi-stakeholder forum, the 2nd National Sea Turtle Symposium, to discuss the way forward with respect to sea turtle conservation and protection. The two-day symposium themed, ‘Partnership for a Sustainable Future’, was done in collaboration with the Turtle Village Trust, Atlantic and Green Fund and aimed at spearheading a more holistic approach to safeguarding sea turtles, with greater input from community groups. This event also marked the end of a month of activities dedicated to Sea-Turtle Awareness in Trinidad and Tobago.

The objectives of the symposium were to discuss the opportunities and challenges of sea turtle conservation and protection, integrate methods and approaches into a comprehensive national management plan; encourage a cross-sectoral, holistic approach to research and data collection on sea turtle populations; encourage sustained initiatives with respect to public awareness, education and training on sea turtle conservation and protection; make recommendations for Beach and Species Management Plans.

This symposium addressed three major overarching challenges facing effective conservation of sea turtle populations. These included: enforcement of legislation; research, data collection and analysis and public awareness, education and training.

At the Opening Ceremony held on October 28, 2014, addresses were presented by Ms. Gayatri Badri Maharaj, Managing Director Ag. of the EMA, Mr. Len Peters, Chairman of the Grande Riviere Nature Tour Guide Association, Mrs. Caroline Toni Surju-Ramnarine, VP of Cooperate Operations at Atlantic, a very captivating spoken word delivered by Mr. Deon McEachnie, and Dr. Allan Bachan Chairman of the EMA and Executive Director of the Turtle Village Trust.

EMA partners with Turtle Village Trust, Atlantic and Green Fund to host 2nd National Sea Turtle Symposium

Senator the Honourable Ganga Singh, presents a certificate for the Capacity Building and Training Courses to one of the community group representatives

This segment culminated with a feature address by the Minister of the Environment and Water Resources, Senator the Honourable Ganga Singh, who fully supported the collaborative approach to sea turtle conservation. He regarded our role with respect to sea turtles as being captured in the phrase “Local Stewardship of a Global Asset”.

The Honourable Minister also shared that over 38 million dollars was dispersed to: Turtle Village Trust, Nature Seekers and Institute of Marine Affairs from the Green Fund for sea turtle protection. Projects include: National sea turtle conservation project that engages over 23 community groups; Matura Development Initiative of Awareness, Management and Eco Tourism for Natural Resource Conservation and Experimentation into the Feasibility of a Hatchery Management Programme for Leatherback Turtles and changes in fishing operations to reduce negative impacts on offshore foraging adults.

Pollution and by extension waste management are major issues impacting sea turtles particularly at Chacachacare island. In this regard the Ministry recognizes the work of the Beverage Containers Bill Clean-up Project which to date has removed over 600,000 kilogrammes of beverage containers from across the country.

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Dr. Allan Bachan, Chairman of the EMA and Executive Director of the Turtle Village Trust was in high praise of the hardworking community members in the field every night during the season to safeguard these magnificent creatures, “The world owes you our gratitude”, he said. Recognition also went out to corporate sponsors BHP Billiton and Atlantic for their support in this venture. Dr. Bachan highlighted Trinidad and Tobago as “the largest accessible nesting colony in the world with a nesting population of around 10,000 annually. Grande Rivere alone accounts for 5,000 and boasts the highest density nesting site in the world… we can now boast a shared global responsibility”.

Of note Dr. Bachan refuted Dr. Scott Eckert’s research claiming that Trinidad’s Leatherback turtle population is in rapid, continuous decline. He stated that the inference was based on data from one beach area, Matura. “The collective numbers of our population has remained stable if not increased. We believe that due to beach erosion on the East Coast nesting activity has increase on the North Coast”, said Dr. Bachan.

Participation at this event boasted representation from the following key stakeholder groups: Ministry of Tourism; Wildlife Section, Forestry Division; Fisheries Division, Ministry of Food Production; Institute of Marine Affairs; Tobago House of Assembly (Department of Marine Resources and Fisheries and Department of Natural Resources and the Environment); University of the West Indies (Department of Life Sciences and School of Veterinary Medicine); University of Trinidad and Tobago (Department of Marine Science and Department of Environmental Science and Management); WIDECAST (Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Network); various community and civil society groups including fishing associations; companies within the oil and gas sector including Petrotrin, Atlantic, Bp; BG; BHP Billiton and Repsol; Cayman Islands Turtle Farm (a conservation and research facility and tourist attraction, located in the West Bay district of the Cayman Islands).

EMA partners with Turtle Village Trust, Atlantic and Green Fund to host 2nd National Sea Turtle Symposium

Mr. Sean Scott of the UWI during his presentation on “Poverty reduction: a contingent valuation approach in Grande Riviere”

Question and answer segment at the Symposium

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Some of the core issues raised include: •Improvinglegislativeframeworkofallagenciestoincludeincreasedfines; •EnsuringgreateruseoftheEnvironmentalCommission; •Improvinglegislationandcollaborativeeffortswithfishermenasitpertainstofishermenandby-catch forensic identification of sea turtle meat; •Contactingthepolicefirstifonewitnessesharmagainstaseaturtle; •Buildingaclosercollaborationwithpolice; •Sharinginformationandcapabilitiesamongagencies •Collectivereviewoflegislationtoclosegapsandimproveinterrelatedactivitiessuchasenforcementand assistance among agencies to strengthen the legislation, enforcement and also intellectual capabilities across all entities •Increasingpubliceducationandawarenessinitiatives,particularlyatthecommunitylevel

The outcomes of this conference also include: the formation of collaborations, transfer of knowledge, increased awareness of sea turtle conservation efforts, and increased capacity to deliver conservation and recovery of marine turtles across our twin island state. The insights generated would allow for strategic planning of future conservation policy and programs and the creation of a Species Management Plan.

EMA partners with Turtle Village Trust, Atlantic and Green Fund to host 2nd National Sea Turtle Symposium

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Trinidad and Tobago is host to five species of marine turtles: the Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), Green (Chelonia mydas), Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), all of which are listed as endangered species. A significant aspect of our country’s local ecotourism activities is centred on sea turtle nesting along our shorelines, and as such, the need to balance the protection of local sea turtle populations, and maximising the ecotourism potential of local communities arose.

In response to this demand, Turtle Village Trust was formed in 2006, through the initial collaboration of five community based organisations: Nature Seekers, Fishing Pond Turtle Conservation Group, Grande Rivière Nature Tour Guide Association, Save Our Sea Turtles Tobago and the M2M Network in conjunction with the Trust’s founding corporate sponsor BHP Billiton Trinidad and Tobago.

Since its inception, Turtle Village Trust’s mission has been to foster and strengthen strategic partnerships with turtle conservation groups and the wider coastal communities of Trinidad and Tobago, to protect the natural resources and create superior quality products and services for visitors, thereby achieving sustainable community growth. The Trust is dedicated to fostering partnerships between community groups, corporate entities and the Government in a bid to establish Trinidad & Tobago as the premiere turtle watching destination.

Over the years, the capacity of the Turtle Village Trust (TVT) has been greatly enhanced by the partnerships with various government ministries and agencies and our corporate sector sponsors, namely BHP Billiton Trinidad and Tobago and Atlantic LNG; the latter sponsoring the National Monitoring Programme which ensures that nesting marine turtles are provided with unique identification tags. Any turtle tagged in Trinidad and Tobago is acknowledged as “our” turtle if found anywhere around the world, and also allows for proper estimation of the population of nesting marine turtles.

The Turtle Village Trust spearheads the National Sea Turtle Conservation Project, which has expanded onshore and offshore monitoring programmes to forty-two (42) known turtle nesting sites throughout Trinidad and Tobago by seventeen (17) different community groups engaged by TVT to monitor each of their designated beaches nightly during the turtle nesting season. This effort provides protection for the nesting turtles while allowing for scientific data collection on the numbers and types of turtles nesting which contributes to the establishment of the National Sea Turtle Database.

The offshore component targets the smaller hard-shell species, such as the Hawksbill and Green turtles which are found in the waters around Trinidad and Tobago. These turtles are critical to the health of the coral reefs and seagrass beds around our islands where they live and feed, and provide a significant potential for dive tourism.

Turtle Village Trust - a national advocate born in the heart of the communities

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During the 2014 nesting season, TVT was able to conduct a national census which allowed the organization to monitor every coast in Trinidad and Tobago, including our offshore islands, for sixteen (16) days during the peak nesting period in an effort to target those remote, unmonitored areas and help identify key nesting areas.

The National Sea Turtle Conservation Programme has received reports of many of “our” turtles being sighted and identified by various international conservation organisations in regions such as the Wider Caribbean, North and South America. One such notable occasion in 2013 was the identification of one of our leatherback turtles being accidentally caught in the nets of fishermen in Tripoli, Lebanon. The turtle was freed by the fishermen and TVT was subsequently contacted, identifying the turtle as one that nested in Fishing Pond, 2010. The story made Lebanese news and has helped to foster ties between Lebanese-Trinidadians and TVT.

Community groups involved with the TVT are afforded skill training in areas such as sea turtle biology, ethical treatment of animals, scientific tagging, data collection as well as public education and positive community and social interaction. Training in other areas such as tour guiding, first aid and the fundamentals of business prepare these groups to deal with the demands of the turtle season and begin the process of sustainable livelihood development.

If you are interested in learning about turtles or the Turtle Village Trust and its activities you can visit the website at turtlevillagetrust.org, and join the Facebook group “Turtle Village Trust” for updates on mall exhibitions and other projects. We look forward to seeing you on a nesting beach for turtle season 2015!

Turtle Village Trust - a national advocate born in the heart of the communities

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Fishing Pond Turtle Conservation Group (FPTCG), Grande Rivière Nature Tour Guide Association (GRNTGA), the M2M Network (M2M), Nature Seekers (NS) and Save Our Sea Turtles Tobago (SOS) are five stalwarts in marine turtle conservation. These groups, being from the North East coast of Trinidad (with the exception of SOS from Tobago) have witnessed thousands of turtles come ashore every year. Their interest in protecting an endangered resource with a history of consumptive use meant that they were each faced with opposition, amongst other challenges common to turtle conservation. However, they still saw the ecological and economic importance and benefits of protecting Trinidad and Tobago’s marine turtle population while also maximising the ecotourism potential. Out of their shared vision to establish Trinidad and Tobago as the premiere turtle watching destination in the world, Turtle Village Trust (TVT), an umbrella organisation, was formed in 2006 in an effort to pool their resources as a means of achieving this goal.

Collectively, these groups have decades of experience in marine turtle conservation both practical and theoretical. As such, these groups have remained key contributors to the operation and continuity of TVT especially in providing training and research. This has allowed the five group consortium to expand to a total of seventeen (17) community based organisations. Their expertise has allowed for other established groups involved in turtle conservation as well as interested, new and upcoming groups to be afforded yearly training in sea turtle biology, tagging and nest excavation, which ensures that these groups are well versed in the best practices in dealing with these turtles and are also able to disseminate correct information to visitors on their designated beaches.

These additional groups include: Sans Souci Wildlife and Tourism Development Organisation, St. David Empowerment and Developmental Organisation, SAD for Toco, Blanchisseuse Environment Community Organisation, Las Cuevas Eco-Friendly Association, Wildlife Watch and Environmental Group and Toco Foundation in Trinidad and in Tobago; North East Sea Turtles, Speyside Eco-Marine Park Rangers, Roxborough Police Youth Club, Anse Fromager Ecological and Environmental Protection Organisation, Bethel Police Youth Club and Tobago Wildlife and Environment Protection Group. This has ensured greater coverage, with forty-two (42) beaches being monitored, and allowed for better protection of the marine turtle population nationwide, reduced the occurrence of poaching and contributed to data collection on both islands which will inform the national sea turtle conservation project and lead to proper management decisions for our nesting population. This enhanced capacity of TVT has also meant that research projects such as the offshore programme in Tobago and North Trinidad can be undertaken to obtain more data on our more elusive hardshell species and the GRNTGA has been essential in running the head start programme in an effort to reduce the loss of entire nests of hardshell species due to the density of nesting on their beach.

Apart from this, the groups are also engaged in other activities such as tour guiding, producing eco-friendly craft, reforestation projects, clean- ups, school and public outreach activities, etc. which contribute to the betterment of their environment while enhancing their eco-tourism potential and sustainability as a group. TVT ensures that these groups are provided with training in areas such as tour guiding, first aid and the fundamentals of business to help these groups deal with the demands of the turtle season and enhance their capacity in sustainable livelihood development.

These community groups form the basis of the Turtle Village Trust. Their collaboration and efforts are the key to a more environmentally aware public, ensures the protection and sustainable use of our natural resources while achieving the vision for Trinidad and Tobago as the premiere site for turtle watching and a viable ecotourism destination.

By Katherine Audroing Conservation ManagerTurtle Village Trust

The NGO’s under the Turtle Village Trust

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EMA and Turtle Village Trust promote sea turtle conservation on World Food Day 2014 - October 16th in Tobago

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The EMA wishes to thank all stakeholders involved in the 2nd National Sea Turtle Symposium

Anse Fromager Ecological & Environmental Protection OrganisationAsa Wright Nature CentreAtlantic Best Pets Animal Behaviour ServiceBethel Police Youth ClubBlanchisseuse Environment & Community OrganisationBP Trinidad and TobagoCanariCARARICayman Turtle FarmCipriani CollegeCouncil of Presidents of the Environment (C.O.P.E)Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE)Environmental TobagoField NaturalistFisheries DivisionForestry Division – Wildlife SectionGrande Riviere Nature and Tour Guiding Association (GRNTGA)Green Fund Executing UnitInstitute of Marine AffairsLas Cuevas Eco-Friendly AssociationMinistry of EducationMinistry of Environment and Water ResourcesMinistry of Food Production, Land and Marine Affairs

National TrustNature SeekersNEST (North East Sea Turtles)NVIRON PROTECTORSOceanwatch Marine Mammal Observer Services Ltd.Papa Bois ConservationPawi Eco & Sports ClubRoxborough Youth ClubSAMPRSans Souci Wildlife & Tourism Development OrganisationSpeyside Eco-Marine Park RangersSt. David Empowerment & Developmental OrganisationStakeholders Against Destruction for Toco SADTEEP/GTHAThe El Socorro Centre for Wildlife ConservationThe University of The West IndiesTobago WildlifeTown & Country Planning DivisionTrinidad & Tobago Hospitality and Tourism InstituteTurtle Village TrustTWEP-GUTTWASA Wildlife Watch Environmental GroupZoological Society of T&T